Hanuma Vihari focusing on fitness, sharpening skills amid coronavirus outbreak
Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari is confined to his home due to the nationwide lockdown, like every other individual. Vihari says he will use the time to "sharpen" his skills for the Australian tour, scheduled towards the end of the year. Things have come to a standstill because of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has so far claimed over 30,000 lives. Here's more.
Vihari opens up on his plans
Vihari is keeping his focus on the tour of Australia, besides the English County, whenever the season does start. "I am going to use this time to focus on my fitness, sharpen my skills for county cricket as well as for the Australia tour in late 2020," Vihari told ESPNcricinfo.
'Mentally I am trying to keep myself positive and busy'
Vihari claimed trying hard to be positive. "Mentally I am trying hard to keep myself positive and busy. My challenge is: there is no cricket for the next three to four months. I do have a summer to look forward to having signed with a team in the English County Championship, where my contract starts from late August. Fingers crossed about that."
I was supposed to play four English County games: Vihari
Vihari had earlier said that he was supposed to play four English County games this season. "I was supposed to play four English County games this season. I would only be able to tell you the name [of the team] when all the paperwork is complete. Right now, it's on hold due to the unavoidable situation (COVID-19)," Vihari was quoted as saying by PTI.
Vihari has had a decent start to his Test career
Vihari has been decent in overseas conditions for Team India. He made his debut in England in 2018 and amassed 552 runs in nine games at an average of just under 37. Notably, he has played all his Tests abroad. "I have the self belief and the team believes that I have the technique to get success in overseas conditions," he had claimed.
Vihari had recently struggled against New Zealand
Vihari has four half-centuries and a ton in total for India overseas. In the Tests against NZ, Vihari got scores of 7, 15, 55 and 9. India struggled as a side in New Zealand and went on to lose the Tests 2-0. With the next series lined up against Australia in 2020-21, Vihari has his work cut out. He needs to perform ably.
